What happened
On 25 May 2013, a Piper PA-22-160 Tri-Pacer, registration G-ARFD, was performing a training flight at Elstrase Aerodrome. The aircraft, carrying one pilot and two passengers, was returning to the airfield following a 30-minute trial lesson. The approach to Runway 08 was conducted at 65 kt with landing flaps selected, under light and variable wind conditions.
Upon touchdown in the designated landing area, the pilot attempted to decelerate but found the aircraft would not stop within the paved surface. The pilot reported a sensation of initial braking force that progressively diminished. By the midpoint of the runway, the pilot notified Air Traffic Control that the brakes were non-functional. The aircraft subsequently exited the asphalt, crossed a patch of long grass, and came to a halt in a nose-down position after the nosewheel entered a small ditch. The impact caused damage to the propeller, engine compartment, and nosewheel. Following the stop, the pilot noted the smell of fuel and observed a leak from the cowling area.
The investigation
The AAIB examined the aircraft's braking configuration and the circumstances of the overrun. It was noted that the pilot attempted to use a lever located beneath the instrument panel to apply the brakes. This specific aircraft, G-ARFD, was an unmodified model and lacked the differential toe brakes or upgraded disc brake systems available via Supplemental Type Certificates.
During the recovery of the aircraft from the ditch, the operator found that the braking system was actually fully operational. Because the brakes were functional after the incident, investigators were unable to determine why the pilot experienced a perceived loss of braking effectiveness during the landing roll.